We are the Dirty Bottles
About Us
The Dirty Bottles – or as the locals in Alnwick, Northumberland say it ‘Thi Dorty Bottles’ – pub has been open for over two centuries and the building is thought to have been constructed in the 1600’s.
The pub was previously called Ye Old Cross Inn but due to the famous “Curse of the Dirty Bottles“, said bottles remained untouched in one of the front windows and a sign was affixed at the window, which read ‘Dirty Bottles’, so most local Alnwick folk adopted that name and we have continued with that tradition.
Current owner and proud local lad Mark Jones purchased the Bottles in late 2014 to save the iconic pub from being developed into flats. Mark drew upon the design talents of the award winning Collective Design and the skill of local tradesman to transform the almost derelict interior dramatically. This iconic freehouse pub now looks, feels and tastes different to anything else in Northumberland.
Stunning Location
In the shadow of Alnwick Castle
The Dirty Bottles is located in Alnwick, within sight of the stunning Alnwick Castle – for 900 years the seat of the Dukes of Northumberland
Deathly tale of the Dirty Bottles
The Legend
Legend has it that, two centuries ago, the innkeeper dropped dead while interfering with the bottles in the window. His widow declared that anyone who did likewise would suffer the same fate. As a result, the “Dirty Bottles” were sealed between two windows and have lain untouched ever since.